Gay marriage legalization hailed & assailed
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to place its imprimatur on gay marriage was hailed by bank and corporate leaders while splitting politicians largely along party lines.
The "Supreme Court has abandoned its role as an impartial judicial arbiter and has become an nonelected nine-member legislature. Despite the Supreme Court's rulings, Texans' fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected. No Texan is required by the Supreme Court's decision to act contrary to his or her religious beliefs regarding marriage." - Greg Abbott, Republican governor of Texas.
"Today marks a victory for equality, perseverance and love." - Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., said on Twitter.
"This is something that should be decided by the people of each state and not imposed upon them by a group of lawyers sitting in black robes on the Supreme Court. That being said, those five lawyers get to impose it under our system. So our job is going to be supporting the law of the land." - Christopher Christie, Republican governor of New Jersey.
"We are thrilled that the Supreme Court has made this historic decision in favor of marriage equality and that our LGBT colleagues and friends now have equality in this fundamental aspect of life." - Jacques Brand, chief executive, North America, Deutsche Bank.
I am "very concerned with the overwhelming trend to diminish state autonomy. I believe states should have the right to determine their own laws regarding marriage." - Gary Herbert, Republican governor of Utah.
"Pleased to see SCOTUS decision on gay marriage ... a historic win in the fight for equality for all." - Jeffrey Immelt, chairman of General Electric Co., said on Twitter.
"The ruling does not tell a minister or congregation what they must do, but it does make clear that the government cannot pick and choose when it comes to issuing marriage licenses and the benefits they confer. It is time to move forward because the good-paying jobs are going to states that are inclusive." - Jack Conway, Democratic attorney general of Kentucky.
"When we passed the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, New York sent a message to the nation that it was time to end one of society's greatest inequities, and I am thrilled to see the court join us on the right side of history." - Andrew Cuomo, Democratic governor of New York.